The inspection was unannounced and took place on 23 November 2015. Milldale Close registered with the Care Quality Commission in July 2013 and this was the first inspection. The home is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for a maximum of one person. There was one person living at the home on the day of the inspection and because of this and the fact that we want to protect this person’s rights to a private life, the report will provide an overview rather than specific examples.
There was a registered manager in place who is also registered to manage another service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People were protected from harm as staff knew how to protect them from abuse. Relatives told us that people were supported when required and they were happy with the support people received.
People received their medicines in a way that kept them safe. Staff had received medication training and there were arrangements in place for managing people’s medication.
Staff had been recruited following the appropriate checks on their suitability to support people living in the home. Staff were available to meet people’s needs promptly and they demonstrated good knowledge about people living at the home. Staff received training to provide appropriate knowledge to support people and staff felt supported by the registered manager.
People chose how they spent their days in their home and what they wanted to do and were encouraged to engage in their personal interests and the activities they enjoyed.
Care and support was provided to people with their consent. Staff understood and recognised the importance of this. We found people were supported to maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. People had access to healthcare professionals and were supported to attend appointments. Staff showed knowledge of people’s health needs and their relatives were informed of any changes in their family members’ health and support.
Relatives told us they felt staff were caring and that they knew how to look after people who lived at the home. Staff showed us that they knew the interests, likes and dislikes of people. We saw that staff ensured that they were respectful of people’s choices and decisions. Where people were unable to make specific decisions about their care these were made on their behalf in their best interests.
Relatives of people living at the home knew how to make complaints and told us they would speak to staff and the registered manager about any concerns. The registered manager advised that any concerns were picked up and dealt with immediately.
The provider demonstrated clear leadership. Staff were supported to carry out their roles and responsibilities effectively, so that people received care and support in-line with their needs and wishes.